Allison Kipta's Library tagged synchronous →  View Popular, Search in Google

Sometimes students in the online environment just need that extra nudge to feel connected in order to truly excel. As instructors, we can facilitate community-building in an asynchronous environment by utilizing synchronous tools, such as Wimba, Skype, Elluminate, and others available to us via our learning management system or outside of the LMS. Using synchronous tools may at first seem impractical for online instructors. If students are taking online classes, doesn’t that mean they want to be able to work whenever, wherever, with no time or date restrictions? In many cases, yes—but there are times when online students need one-on-one help, and synchronous tools are able to facilitate that support much more effectively than the usual email back-and-forth or phone conversation. I’ve found that when I’ve used synchronous tools with students, they were more willing to ask questions and interact with their fellow students in the classroom afterwards. Let’s explore some reasons why.

community synchronous tools

Our vision is that starting a web conference should be as easy as clicking a single metaphorical big blue button. As an open source project, we believe it should be easy for others to embrace and extend. And while web conferencing means many things to many people -- our focus is to make the best web conferencing system for distance education.

synchronous web_conferencing

"This course will expose learners to a group of technologies that provide real-time interaction and communication in distance and distributed learning settings. Learners will receive an overview of key synchronous technologies developed over the past thirty years. A historical examination of concepts and issues surrounding the use of real-time technologies will form a conceptual framework for critically evaluating current and emerging technologies. In addition to surveying key developments in synchronous technologies, the course will explore pedagogical issues and the impact of instructional strategies on learning and learning outcomes. This course will be delivered using a number synchronous technologies including Voice over IP, collaborative tools , desktop video conferencing , room-based videoconference, and Webcasting with interactive chat. We’ll also use some asynchronous tools, since they are more appropriate than synchronous tools for some things. Members of the class will have the opportunity to develop valuable skills both as a participant and as a synchronous presenter/facilitator."

synchronous learning_environment

"Reaching agreement on the convenience of online classes is easy, but arguing in favor of a synchronous learning experience in a virtual classroom is harder. Debunking the top 10 myths about synchronous online teaching helps refute the arguments against it, while the transformational nature of online teaching can convert skeptics into supporters. With adequate support for their online efforts, would-be online educators can embark on their own synchronous online teaching adventures — and fly!"

synchronous online_teaching myths